9. The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D (3DS)
The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D was a magnificent refurbishment. A visual overhaul and streamlined features make this version even more enjoyable than the original N64 release.
Minor flaws seem insignificant against its unique gameplay ideas, its dark and haunting theme, and the ticking clock of its cleverly crafted world. It's strange, perhaps, that a game in which the main premise revolves around repeatedly travelling back in time was so ahead of its time.
In its enhanced form, The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D belies its age and stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the very best games on its host system or anywhere else. Simply put, it's a masterpiece that every 3DS owner should play.
8. Super Mario All-Stars (SNES)
An extremely impressive package featuring the NES Super Mario Bros. games with a 16-bit lick of paint, Super Mario All-Stars was a convenient way to revisit the classics back on Super NES.
Ultimately, with the exception of Super Mario Bros. 2 — we'd say that All-Stars actually contains the 'best' version of that game — the originals arguably still offer the prime, 'canon' experience these days. (If you're playing this via Nintendo Switch Online, they're all accessible so you can easily see for yourselves.)
However, for anybody who first experienced the NES games in this package, we understand if All-Stars represents peak 2D Mario for you and offers the ultimate nostalgia trip. Everyone's a winner, however you play 'em.
7. Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition (Switch)
Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition presents an already-excellent JRPG that's been improved in nearly every conceivable way, short of a complete reimagining.
On top of the fantastic story, enjoyable combat, and incredible world design, Monolith Soft has included an entirely new epilogue story arc while polishing up nearly everything in the base game, from progression systems to visuals to UI design. Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition is easily one of the best RPGs on Switch, a console that's not lacking in the role-playing department.
It goes without saying that if you were ever a fan of the original, or of RPGs in general, you absolutely must get this. This is the standard against which all RPGs should be judged.
6. The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening DX (GBC)
Link's Awakening is a game of contrasts: sadness and joy, bleakness and whimsy, dream and reality, confusion and comfort. Its success lies in its ability to balance these contradictory elements with tight, compelling gameplay and a timeless presentation.
The extra dungeon and other features of this DX version don't add up a huge amount over the original monochromatic release, but it's still a mighty fine game enhanced by the upgraded console's colour palette.
Grezzo's Switch remake might have prettified Koholint Island, but the joyous, quirky characters, melancholy, and beauty of Link's first portable adventure were there right from the very beginning. If you own a Game Boy Color or have any other way to access it — like, say, a Nintendo Switch — this game is essential.
5. Metroid: Zero Mission (GBA)
Metroid: Zero Mission is an excellent 2004 remake of the original Metroid, and a game that's in the conversation for 'best remake evs' (if that conversation is being held with a teenager during the 2010s).
Zero Mission tells the story of the first entry, but with far snazzier visuals and Super Metroid-inspired gameplay. With save rooms and a bunch of new items, areas, and mini-bosses, this is the way to experience Samus' first mission. Sorry, zero-st mission.
If it came down to a duel, there are Nintendo Life staffers who would actually take this over the SNES game. It's that good.
4. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D (3DS)
As if its library wasn't impressive enough, the 3DS got a wonderful reworking of a game which collects ‘Best Game Of All Time’ awards like beer mats.
It was always going to be good, but Grezzo managed to strike the perfect balance between evoking nostalgia for the N64 original and carefully updating and polishing Ocarina of Time to help it shine in the 21st century. It’s just like you remember, but going back and actually comparing the two reveals that it’s vastly improved and overhauled, from UI to textures to character models and beyond.
We might miss the Stone of Agony's rumble, but all Ocarina of Time 3D's modifications make it the best way to play the game in the present day. And everybody should play Ocarina of Time.
3. The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD (Wii U)
Nintendo breathed new life into The Wind Waker in this HD remaster, taking its timeless art style and giving it a glorious high-def sheen and also making worthwhile improvements to previously flawed aspects of the original. Sailing across the Great Sea, discovering new islands, and exploring exciting dungeons — the designs of which still shine even today – has never been more fun than on Wii U.
Nintendo could have done more in certain areas — there really isn’t anything substantial in the way of new content — and the updated lighting, though lovely in its own right, is not necessarily 'better'; it's heavy on the bloom compared to the sublime original.
Still, The Wind Waker was never in need of a drastic overhaul; this refinement made welcome tweaks that brought it more in line with modern standards. A great game made (for the most part) even greater, then.
2. Metroid Prime Remastered (Switch)
With Metroid Prime Remastered, the seemingly impossible was achieved: a masterpiece was made even better.
The minor issues we have with the motion controls and the occasional visual hiccup pale in comparison to the enhancements that have been made here. The visual improvements are extensive, right through to the tiny details, and it all comes together to create one of the best-looking games on Switch, remaster or not.
The new twin-stick control setup works flawlessly for both veterans and newcomers, too, but if you're itching to go back to the original GameCube controls, that option is there. With an expanded gallery feature to round things out, Metroid Prime Remastered feels like a new benchmark in how older games can be thoughtfully revitalised for the modern age.
1. Pokémon HeartGold & SoulSilver (DS)
The original Pokémon Gold and Silver games are fondly remembered by Pocket Monster fans all over the world, and with good reason: they introduced features that genuinely evolved the original Game Boy games, such as breeding and an in-game clock (not to mention colour!), features that have become series staples. Add in fan-favourite monsters and these remakes were always going to be well received.
Future games would trickle in additional quality-of-life features and other innovations, but some would argue — if they're able to get over an enduring love of the original 151 — that it never got better than travelling across the land, searching far and wide in these DS remakes.
The Game Boy originals may be a little hard to return to these days, but Pokémon HeartGold & SoulSilver strike the very best balance of nostalgia and that patented catch-'em-all gameplay. Magic.
Remember, this list is governed by User Ratings on the site, so if you haven't scored the ones you've played, feel free to do so and exert your influence on the ranking above.
And if you're looking for the best remakes/remasters on Switch — Nintendo-published or otherwise — you can check out our feature on those, too: